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‘Gabriel’s Fire’ opens up in Zagi’s old spot

Posted by Geeky Swedes on July 21st, 2008

The BBQ place Gabriel’s Fire opened up for business a couple days ago on 80th St. and 24th Ave — right where Zagi’s Pizza used to be located.

We didn’t have time to stop and eat, but we did run in and grab a menu. Gabriel’s features sandwiches like BBQ beef, beef brisket, pork, chicken and grilled flank steak. The lunch entrees range from pork ribs, grilled tiger prawns, chicken wings to chicken gumbo. You can choose from seven different sauces, and you can get fries, baked beans, Mac ‘n Cheese, cornbread and other tasty-sounding sides. Everything smelled delicious, so we’ll have to give it a try. If you beat us there, please us know what you think below. (Thanks, Christopher!)

Update: The owners had to temporarily close due to a lack of permits, but now they say everything’s in order. They plan to reopen from Thursdays to Sundays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., with full hours and delivery coming soon.

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  • Josh
    I have already been there 3 times. I love BBQ spots, and go to many around Seattle. This place ranks right up there with the best spots. Great food, lots of choices. And if you like spicey sauces, there are a couple in there that have some kick. Head in when you get a chance, you won't be disappointed.
  • Karashawn
    VERY YUMMY. I had the Pork Sandwich with the Carolina sauce and a side a Mac n' Cheese. The pork just fell apart and it was so moist. It was awesome. I am very picky about Potato Salad...but tried a side of it and it was different from any other Potato Salad I have had. It was really good, I would recommend it.
  • Rudy
    How are the prices?
  • Josh
    Very comparable, if not on the more affordable end. You can link to the menu by clicking "Gabriel's Fire" in the top of the post if you want to take a look.
  • Lazlo
    Can anybody comment on that "We Deliver" sign in the window in the picture above?

    Their website doesnt mention it.

    I would love some pork shoulder just to show up on more doorstep.
  • Gabriel
    Thanks for the good feed back guys. Unfortunately I have to shut down before I even get started because I didn't get the proper permits. I will be up and running ASAP and I do plan on having a delivery service which is why I didn't take down the sign in the window.
  • sarahjc
    OH! MAN! :-) Gabriel! I read your comment about 20 minutes late! I called to place an order for take-out. Bummer deal on the permits - I hope it works out for you.

    Please keep us updated - I can't wait to try it. I work on Shilshole Ave and we order out every Friday and have been DYING for a new delivery service in the area.

    I'm going to print your menu out and hand it around, let us know when you re-open so we can try it out! :-)
  • Lindsarella
    YAY! Meat!
  • Sweet! Please let us know when you get delivery working!
  • pioggia
    Anybody who talks about their roux in the gumbo description is on the right track with me! I love love love good (seafood free) gumbo! We'll come check it out when you reopen!
  • Ben
    How does it compare to Smokin' Pete's on 20th and 65th in terms of price and quality?
  • silver
    Gabriel - thanks for posting about the permit issue - I had just sent email to the boyfriend suggesting we have dinner with you this evening. I would have been very disappointed. (Instead of very mildly disappointed! ;-)

    Best wishes, and please let us know when you're back in business!
  • ivy
    Is Gabriel's closed right now because of permits? Or just the delivery is closed?
  • Gabriel
    I'm closed right now. I'm a novice at beuacracy and did not contact the right people. I discovered this myself and closed rather than being shut down. Hopefully, lets keep our fingers crossed, I qualify as a change of name since I took over Zagi's and I have not changed any structures. I will find out today and let you all know.
    I did not anticipate this sort of response :) And will definately keep everyone posted on my progress!
  • Gabriel
    Good news. I have obtained all the permits that I need. I still have to do some running around to get some equipment and tie up some loose ends so I will only be open for the weekends for now. 11 AM to 8PM Thursday through Sunday. I hope to be fully staffed and ready for delivery service by the middle of next month.
    Thanks for your patience and interest.
  • Nicole
    Just checked out the menu - looks delish. My family and I recently relocated to Seattle from the South and we love BBQ. I'm not the biggest fan of Chinese delivery and bored with pizza so we are loving the idea of delivery! We'll try to get in this weekend for some take out.
  • We went there tonight. The food was pretty good but you can tell they are new. Be patient... :)
  • jong
    we're headed there tonight. can't wait.
  • Rocnsal
    It must bee good if they are that busy on the first few nights. Word of mouth hasn't even kicked in yet!!! The good ones are worth waiting for.
  • BBQ pork sandwiches were excellent. I had the chipotle sauce (mild, smoky) with beans (hint of cinnamon, nice). My hubby had Jamaican jerk sauce (ya-who! spicy!!) with potato salad. Generous helpings with a easy-on-the-wallet price tag! We'll be going back, for sure!
  • SeattleRichardson
    Went to make a large order tonight but sadly they were all out of BBQ! That is good and bad news.... I'm glad they are doing well but when your craving BBQ and you get turned back then that hurts! I guess it's growing pains for them too, they need to figure out how much to make on a daily basis. Anyway maybe next time...I guess it's Red Mill tonight!
  • Linda
    W/the reasonable pricing I can see they would sell out. Only opened 2 weekends I would guess it's kind of hard to tell what the client fluctuation would be. Can't do BBQ too much ahead - it would dry out!
    The potato salad is G R E A T!!
  • mom
    had the sampler. the chicken was incredibly moist! had it w/beans (super duper), slaw and macaroni and cornbread. it was all delicious and would recommend it above smokin' petes. price for the sampler fed 4 of us easily! and the sauces were fantastic as well. have them give you a sample of all just to figure out what's right for your taste.
  • Ballard denizen
    The food is good, but I live nearby and the smoker out back is wafting into my bedroom something fierce. I have asthma, and it's too hot to leave all my windows closed. Also, Gabriel fired it up at 4:00 this morning and just about killed me! Sorry, man, but it's bugging me!
  • Lisa
    After reading all the reviews on here I was excited to give this place a try. I love good bbq and I've got to say that Smokin' Pete's doesn't do it for me. So I tried this joint last week and was really disappointed. The cornbread was dry and hard as a rock, the brisket was a thick cut of meat. Usually supposed to be super tender and fall apart. Not the case here. The beans, well, they were just plain awful. I would gladly take Smokin' Pete's over this place any day. Maybe I'm just picky...
  • Bob
    Glad to find this blog. I'm fairly new to Seattle and have eaten at Gabriel's Fire a couple of times. I recently wrote a post for my own site and some have said I was too hard on them. I actually thought they were trying to do a pretty good job but.... Well. The sides need a lot of work. I wish them the best and I will keep trying them.
    Please check out my site at www.whatsbobeating.com
    I have high standards for BBQ, being from North Carolina, but I am looking for the best I can find in Seattle.
    I think Smokin' Pete's does a fairly good job.

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